PRAY FOR RAIN

Collectors/Fans only.... Kinda tough to be a collector when the band only has two albums. So I guess the collector would have to be a Holdsworth fan, as I am. Allan's the reason I bought this disc, but I must say that he's not the only highlight. The bassist Ken Jaquess has a very solid, yet busy approach, and uses the space provided to show his chops. Keyboardist Technobud X (Jorge Vasquez) is the main soloing musician in the group, each tune is packed with lush soundscapes and strong leads. Guitarist Karl Johnson gets a few moments to solo and plays some competent leads. The drumming is divided between Hank Wicke and Bob Craft. Both support the songs professionally, without any real flash or brilliance, they just play for the song.

The downfall, to me, are the weak lyrics and unfortunate vocals of David Bodnar. Like Brad Marler's whiney, overdramatic efforts on Glass Hammer's "Chronometree," Bodnar tries to sing as if the lyrics were a heartfelt ode to his mother, sappy and annoying. Pray for Rain would have gained a star in my rating if it were mainly instrumental.

That said, "Again," the lone instrumental, is my favorite track. Emersonian keyboards, soaring guitars and technical bass.... way too short. Holdsworth's solo (just over 1 minute long) in "Oceans to Cross" is patented Allan, yet it's nothing he hasn't said or alluded to before. "Hills of Time" piano break reminds me of, egad, Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" (I'm embarrassed to know the tune). "Magnificent Desolation" has that pop styled sound of the 80's Asia/GTR, maybe even a touch of mid period Rush. "Pray for Rain" and "Forest Cathedral" clock in at over 10 minute each, but get dragged down by weak lyrics and vocals.

Fans of Enchant, Magellan, IQ or Marillion may find this disc engaging.